WALES coach Warren Gatland is urging some of the country’s best young prospects to consider joining Newport Gwent Dragons – and he is also surprised two players decided to leave them in the past year.

Gatland says that fellow coach Rob Howley watched Tom Prydie playing for Swansea against Newport last week after the 17-year-old wing/full back became the youngest player to wear the Welsh jersey when he made his debut against Italy in March.

And fellow teenage wing Kristian Phillips, who also made the Wales squad for the Six Nations, has been playing for Neath in the Premiership when, along with Prydie, he is part of the Ospreys set-up.

“There are some promising youngsters at the Dragons who are putting their hands up, so if some talented players play for two or three seasons in the Premiership they could get left behind. They’ve got to look at their options,” said Gatland.

“They can only sit in the wings for so long, though the Ospreys have brought a lot through. There is a lot of talent there, but they are not getting the opportunity. I think Tom Prydie could possibly get a position in any of the other three regions.

“If you are a youngster and being paid quite well you have to say, ‘Do I sit here and work and wait for the opportunity, wait for the chance to come, or perhaps take a risk of going to another region but not performing?

“If the Dragons and the Scarlets went after younger players they’ve got to give them the incentive with ambition and spend money on facilities, that’s the argument.

“The pleasing thing about the Dragons is they have played good rugby and they’ve put their house in order. Things are moving forward there, so it does give youngsters a choice.

“And the Scarlets are going to be a good side with a number of youngsters coming through.”

“The thing with Welsh rugby is that with four regional teams doing well, it does give youngsters a choice and the best players can play week in, week out.

“I was surprised Richard Fussell decided to leave the Dragons and I was surprised that Tom Isaacs left last season.

“I thought Fussell played really well against Edinburgh and with ten minutes to go I was listening to the abuse and the taunting, saying ‘enjoy the season with the Ospreys.’ But maybe it was a big offer with more money.”

Gatland listed a number of Dragons who have impressed him, and one or two could well be marked down for his squad for the games against South Africa and New Zealand next month.

“I’ve been really impressed with Jason Tovey who’s done well, Martyn Thomas has done well and Aled Brew before he was injured, and Will Harries,” he said.

“Luke Charteris and Dan Lydiate have been really solid, Toby Faletau has been playing really well and Hugh Gustafson has started to show form, carrying well - that’s the example to follow. And Colin Charvis and Darren Edwards are two young, enthusiastic coaches who have played at the highest level with good ideas which is good for the game.”